Education Through Inquiry - An Experimental Aspect of Teacher Preparation at Arizona State University.

Pike, Kenneth V.

This paper contains a report on two science education methods courses for the teaching of biology developed at Arizona State University at Tempa. One course is for preservice teachers only and is taught each fall semester, as it has been since 1964, by a team consisting of a high school biology teacher, a science consultant for the Phoenix school district, and an Arizona state faculty member. As part of the course experiences, students concentrate on inquiry-oriented laboratory investigations using living organisms where possible, class discussions, films, BSCS single topic inquiry filmstrips, and other related activities. One of the major objectives is to permit students to become familiar with methods, techniques, and use of biological materials. In the spring semester, another course using the inquiry field study approach involves inexperienced but certified biology teachers qualifying for admission to a degree program leading to a Master of Science in Biology. These participants in the Prospective Teacher Fellowship Program plan and conduct a two-week resident field study program for 60 high school biology students (30 high school students per week). Also reported are details of an Environmental Education Teach-In involving the states of Hawaii, California, Nevada and Arizona. (PEB)